It’s here – the last long weekend of the summer. I am missing summer already. Oh wait! I think that is because we really did not have a summer.

With all the rain and storms that passed through from early spring 'til now, it has been a challenging summer for a lot of farmers. Some crops did not get planted, and others were a failure. There was lots of strategic planning and planting, and a lot of last minute changes of plans on what to plant. Through the weird weather though, there were other crops like the Brassica family that flourished with the wet conditions. So be prepared for lots of cabbage in the future.

Living on a farm requires lots of collaboration to be able to do everything that needs to be done. It is all hands on deck, so to speak. Especially when an emergency happens, everyone is very quick to help out. We are very grateful for all the help after our truck issues this summer that is for sure. I am very grateful for having family close by, and to all our great network of other family farms.

A lot of vegetable producers count on a few months of growing to ensure a year's worth of income. Thank goodness farmers are a resilient bunch. Quality food requires a huge effort: time, money for superior seeds, equipment and fair wages for labour, plus more. Importantly, we have to be sustainable farms and to encourage the next generation to try and make a living off the farm so that we can ensure family farms in the future.

Even with all the trials and tribulations of farming I would not trade it for anything. I love being able to work alongside family, seeing the next generation appreciate what I have loved for so long.

Recipe of the Week A family collaboration of produce grown on our family farms